Varanasi's Mukti Bhavan is a commute to salvation for those who check-in to die

Every soul will once taste death

It’s a stark reality of life, that ‘death’ is inevitable. Every human desires salvation or ‘moksha’, and the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi or Kashi, is believed to be its gateway. Hindus believe that in order to be granted ‘mukti’ one needs to visit Varanasi before or after their death. And for those who awaiting their end, Kashi Labh Mukti Bhavan seems to be the best commute.

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Kashi Labh Mukti Bhavan, Varanasi

Mukti Bhavan or the Death Hostel is a place where people check-in to die. It is believed that dying or being cremated in Varanasi, breaks the cycle of death and re-birth, thus attaining them the ultimate- ‘moksha’. Hundreds from around the world arrive each day to take a dip in the holy river 'Ganga' to wash off their sins. Some even come down to spread the ashes of their loved ones, so they could achieve 'moksha'.

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Everything that gets born dies

According to Hindu traditions, every human life has four aims- Dharma (proper, virtuous, moral life), Artha (means of life, material prosperity, income security), Kama (sensuality, pleasure, emotional fulfillment), and Moksha (liberation, emancipation or final release). This hostel in Varanasi is the last resort for those who deeply desire mukti.

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Total detachment is liberation

Those who check-in to die, have to pay a minimal rent for accommodation or electricity, which is most of the times provided by resident’s families. Even those who cannot afford are taken in. But there is only one condition, they will be allowed only if they are expected to die within 15 days. So, that those who too yearn salvation get the chance.

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Mumukshu Bhawan, Varanasi

Unlike Mukti Bhavan, Mumukshu Bhawan, is a place where people come in to await their death. More than 300 people are presently living in Mumukshu, most of them over 60, and some living since past 20 years.

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The man who handles death

Manager of Mukti Bhavan, Bhairav Nath Shukla, who recently turned 60 had been managing the place for more than four decades now, "In a year we get around 800 people from around the country who come to spend their last days in Kashi. Some non-residential Indians too have come. On an average people are allowed to stay for 15 days. For some it could be two or three days or even a month till they die."

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Dah sanskar

Mukti Bhavan also arranges for the funeral rites and cremation for those who are left along to die, and those who cannot afford. “We help the poor to buy wood and other materials needed for cremation. Moreover, after being here for so long, I can easily calculate when a person will die.”

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Many like Tiljaro Devi await death

Among many who await their closed one’s death, are Bharat Singh and his wife Ramina Devi. They have brought in their ailing aunt, Tiljaro Devi (75), “It's been two days that we have been waiting and we expect that she will die within two or three days. It was her wish to die in Kashi and we have got her here.”

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The goal of life is death

International news agency, Reuters reported that until this year July, around 14,578 people checked into Mukti Bhavan to attain moksha. It would be no wrong in saying that the fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.
Images have been taken from Reuters and Al Jazeera.